The Maritime College men's basketball team traveled to St. Joseph's College Long Island on Tuesday night for its Skyline Conference opener and fell to the host 66-63. The Privateers battled to the end once again, but lost for the third straight time by four points or less.

The game started out with multiple lead changes between the teams, but a seven-point run from teh Golden Eagles gave the first big advantage with a 17-11 lead halfway through the first. However, Maritime slowly climbed its way back into the game and a Mike Regan (Dix Hills, N.Y./St. Anthony's) three-point shot tied it up at 26 with 1:13 remaining. St. Joseph's had the answer though and nailed a three of their own on the following possession to steal the momentum going into halftime. 

The Golden Eagles struck first in the second half, but the Privateers fought back and Brennan Whelan (Northport, N.Y./Northport) brought it to a one-score game at 33-35 by draining a three. The Privateers were never able to take the lead back as St. Joseph's made a big run during the next ten minutes of play as they ended up with an 11-point lead with just under seven minutes left.

Although Maritime boasts a youthful roster, they had already shown their ability to fight their way back into any game multiple times this season. The Privateers were able to come back in this game as well powered by a 15-5 run capped off by a three from Michael Walker (Bayport, N.Y./Bayport-Blue Point) to make it a 59-60 lead for the Golden Ealges with 1:11 left. Unfortunately, St. Joseph's answered once again and drained a three to make it a four-point game with 30 seconds left.

The Privateers weren't able to get a shot at tying the game as the Golden Eagles played solid defense and made the free throws they needed to down the stretch.

Whelan led Maritime in scoring with 17 points of 6-12 shooting as well as tallying a game-high seven assists. Walker added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Privateers will return to action tomorrow night as they have the opportunity to travel to Army at 7:30 p.m. for an exhibition game against the Division I institute.